Hand held toxicity tester

Abstract

A system and method for reliably testing for toxic substances is described. Based on spectrographic means, the system embodies one or more types of spectrometers, designed for the detection of toxic elements such as lead, and alternatively designed for the detection of toxic compounds such as asbestos. By restricting the broad functionality common to a typical spectrometer, dramatic cost reductions can be made permitting the device to be cost-effectively manufactured and made available to the typical consumer. The device is can be portable and incorporates safety systems to inhibit improper use.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 612,418, filed on Mar. 19, 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein.FIELD[0002]This description relates generally to a system, and method for detecting toxic substances.BACKGROUND[0003]The prevalence of toxic substances in the environment has resulted in increasing regulation and control of producers of toxic materials and their use. Upwards of 50,000 chemicals are routinely introduced into the environment, the majority of which have not been tested for safety. A much smaller number of known toxic chemicals are common in the environment and pose known real hazards for individuals. Testing technologies that permit individuals to determine the safety of their immediate environment are too expensive for consumer use or relatively unreliable or focused on the detection of single substances.BRIEF SUMMARY[0004]Here we describe a device, system and method for reliably testing for ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]Here we describe a device, system and method for reliably testing for a multiplicity of toxic substances. Based on spectrographic means, the system can be deployed incorporating one or several types of spectrometers, including a system where two types are embedded, one designed for the detection of toxic elements such as lead, and the other designed for the detection of toxic compounds such as asbestos. By restricting the broad functionality common to a typical spectrometer, dramatic cost reductions can be made permitting the device to be cost-effectively manufactured and made available to the typical consumer.

[0007]The system further can be designed to be modular such that the spectrometer section can be replaced with an alternate spectrometer module. A module being a plug-and-play compatible spectrometer which can deliver a spectrum to the balance of the device for analysis, said module being interchangeable with other modules employing alternative spectroscopic means. This permits specialized detection means to be employed, for example, by substituting a different spectrographic method, i.e. Raman spectroscopy instead of LIBS, or a different set of bandpass filters targeted to a different set of elements of interest. Further the modularity permits the plug-in substitution of an alternative spectrometer that may have other desirable properties such as a higher cost higher resolution broadband spectrometer.

Problems solved by technology

A much smaller number of known toxic chemicals are common in the environment and pose known real hazards for individuals.

Testing technologies that permit individuals to determine the safety of their immediate environment are too expensive for consumer use or relatively unreliable or focused on the detection of single substances.

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